Service is not related to our state of birth or circumstances rather a deliberate choice we make. We can see this facts as we compare and contrast the service rendered by Rebekah to Abraham’s servants and Joseph to Potiphar I’m Egypt.
Rebekah’s service recorded in Genesis 24 was not born out of compulsion but a willing heart. She was a free born so had her own will and choices to make and her actions that followed when she was asked my Abraham’s servant for water showed that of kindness and generosity . She had a heart that was willing to help even when she did not know who and what the servants intentions were and she definitely was not looking for any reward in returns or applauses. When Abraham’s servant asked for water in verse 17 you will see that she offered water without hesitation and further in verse 19 she offered to give his camel drink also this showing her eagerness to serve. Rebekah would have chosen to refuse to offer the help she offered because she did not know who she was rendering the help to but was willing, eager, kind and generous to turn away from the stranger asking for help.
Now we look at the life and services of Joseph in Potiphar’s house as a slave. We find the account of Joseph’s service in Potiphar’s house in Genesis 39. Unlike Rebekah who offered her service to Abraham’s servant out of the kindness of her heart, Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers and bought by Potiphar hence he did not have a choice or right but he served still as unto the Lord as seen in Genesis 39:9b.
Joseph served with integrity and excellence that his master entrusted everything to his care and like Rebekah he served not expecting any reward in return.
Joseph’s services was dutiful but he served with integrity, faithfulness and love for his God even in the face of temptation from his master’s wife. Rebekah on the other hand was spontaneous and served from the tenderness of her heart.
The actions of Both Rebekah and Joseph portrayed good qualities of service unto God and unto man,theirs was not that of eye service and their stories are inspiring and worth emulating as we give our service unto humanity.

In the teaching of Servanthood and its principle by Dr, Iyewuna O, we could see that True service is not determined by one’s background, status, or circumstances of birth but a conscious and intentional decision to act faithfully, diligently, and selflessly underlined by integrity. This principle is evidenced in the biblical accounts of Rebekah’s service to Abraham’s servant and Joseph’s service to Potiphar in Egypt. Both demonstrate that genuine act of service flows from character and choice rather than external conditions.
In the case study of Rebekah, and her act of service found in Genesis 24, is a powerful example of voluntary and generous hospitality. This is illustrative when Abraham’s servant arrived at the well seeking a wife for Isaac, he prayed for a specific sign: that the chosen woman would not only offer him water but also draw water for his camels. Rebekah fulfilled this request without hesitation. Drawing water for ten camels was a labor-intensive task, requiring significant effort and time. And, Rebekah willingly undertook it, going beyond what was expected. This act was not coerced, It was a voluntary act.
The case of Joseph on the other hand, was a service to Potiphar. This is found in Genesis 39, which shows faithfulness under pressure and adversity. When compared to Rebekah, Joseph did not choose his environment; he was sold into slavery in Egypt due to his brothers’ betrayal. Regardless, this unfavorable circumstance, Joseph distinguished himself through diligence, integrity, and excellence. Serving in the house of Potiphar, an Egyptian officer, Joseph committed himself fully to his responsibilities. His service was so remarkable that Potiphar entrusted him with the management of his entire household. Joseph’s success was not merely due to his skills but also because “the Lord was with him,” indicating a spiritual dimension to his service.
The act of service is for everyone, old, young, small or big, It is not reserve for the smallest according to the believe of the world. Joseph and Rebekah show that the act of service is rewarding so long as it was done with a clear heart and not a pretentious act.
Significantly, between Rebekah and Joseph is their willingness to serve wholeheartedly. Both individuals displayed initiative and went beyond minimal expectations. Rebekah could have simply given the servant a drink and left, but she extended her service to his camels. Joseph would have chosen to performed his duties reluctantly as a slave, but he chose to serve with a devoted heart, excellence, earning trust and responsibility. However, in both cases, service was a reflection of inner character rather than external compulsion and this shows that it was not an eye service kind of act.
Also, in comparing both, there are traceable contrasts between their situations. For instance, Rebekah’s service was a single, defining moment that revealed her character and led to a significant life transition which is becoming Isaac’s wife while Joseph’s service, was continuous and tested over time in a difficult environment. It is therefore safe to say that Rebekah served from a point of relative comfort and freedom and that of Joseph was under the constraints of slavery and injustice. This posits that true service is not limited to favorable conditions; it can thrive even in adversity and when you overcome this adversity, it brings you before kings and not mere men.
It is therefore safe to conclude that, both Rebekah and Joseph illustrated that true service is an intentional act and not and after thought or a circumstantial act. We saw the Rebekah’s voluntary kindness and Joseph’s steadfast faithfulness under hardship. This shows that genuine service is embedded in character, obedience, and a willingness to act beyond expectation. And therefore, this is required for every believer.